About Ruth Harbor
Ruth Harbor is a 6-8 resident home, the key word being HOME, located in Des Moines. It provides young women who are alone and facing unplanned pregnancies a truly viable option -- a safe harbor -- by providing housing, education, counseling, health care, parenting training or adoption assistance, spiritual support and more for the duration of their pregnancies.
More Than Just Another Social Program. The key difference between Ruth Harbor and other programs helping pregnant women is that the goal is to bring about a life change which ends the cycle of self-defeating behavior. This interdenominational ministry was founded on the belief that a personal relationship with Christ is at the center of life change. The circumstances which bring women to Ruth Harbor are of little consequence, who they are and how they feel about themselves when they leave is the focus. Grace is the key philosophy of this program.
Adoption Counseling And Parenting Classes. All women will receive counseling to help them decide what to do once their children are born. Women who decide to parent their baby will be required to attend parenting classes. Those who choose adoption will be well-informed about their options and assisted through the process.
More Than Just Another Social Program. The key difference between Ruth Harbor and other programs helping pregnant women is that the goal is to bring about a life change which ends the cycle of self-defeating behavior. This interdenominational ministry was founded on the belief that a personal relationship with Christ is at the center of life change. The circumstances which bring women to Ruth Harbor are of little consequence, who they are and how they feel about themselves when they leave is the focus. Grace is the key philosophy of this program.
Adoption Counseling And Parenting Classes. All women will receive counseling to help them decide what to do once their children are born. Women who decide to parent their baby will be required to attend parenting classes. Those who choose adoption will be well-informed about their options and assisted through the process.
"How Can I Help?"
Beyond financial support, many ask how they can help with our mission of serving young women and their babies. You can get ideas from our wish list, however, here are some specific needs. Maybe you or someone you know can help!
Host Homes:
We are looking for people who are willing to share their home with a Ruth Harbor alumnus as a bridge to their future plans. A current host home is needed for approximately 6-8 weeks.
Building or space for a Thrift Store:
A building or commercial space is needed to house Ruth Harbor's newest project to serve our community and the young women we are housing. Ideally, it will have 6,000 to 9,000 sq. feet and be in an easy-access, visible location.
Cute "Kay" Arrives!
One of Ruth Harbor's newest arrivals, Kay Lynn, was born weighing 7lbs 9oz at 19 1/4 inches long. Both Kay and her mother Samantha are doing well. Samantha is adjusting to the big life change and the joyful struggle of being a new mom.
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| Kay Lynn |
"The biggest challenge has been all the time it takes to take care of a baby," Samantha says. "They're so dependent on you for everything."
Her favorite part of motherhood? "The joy of having a child. There's so much love you have!"
The interactions with her house parents made a huge impact on Samantha. "The house parents were so helpful and encouraging. They taught me so much about parenting. And the donations store downstairs was so helpful in getting the stuff I needed for the baby."
Currently, Samantha is focusing on being a mom and is also attending school this fall.
Click here to send an encouraging note to Samantha.
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